[ blanca and soo-woo probably won't kill anyone ]

[recrowns]

Comments

[recrowns]

[ . . . he nods in response to that]

Then - I will.

... you cannot tell Yona that I have hired you during our time here - but if I do not make it to the end, let her know to give you your payment.

So you may be compensated for the effort you have already put in.

[papasha]

I realize you are once more pragmatically thinking about the future, but I wish you wouldn't speak in terms of death so much. If I may be so bold.

You can live in the present for just a little while, too. [He glances at Soo-won.] I implore you to live there as much as you are willing.

Before you don't have that time any longer.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . . there's just a bit of a smile at that

and perhaps the most unfortunate thing is that it is so entirely, wholly sincere]

I have to prepare - just in case! It's important to have contingency plans, and be ready for what may last longer than I do.

But -

I do like talking to you. So I hope that it's alright that even if the topic is not good...

I treasure moments like this too.

[papasha]

[Don't fucking smile, he's being serious, dammit!]

Do you really, or do you try to convince yourself you do?

[He doesn't sound offended, or accusing, or even angry. Just curious, conversational.]

[recrowns]

I do.

[and he doesn't really flinch away from that, turning to blanca and tilting his head]

You care about me. Even if it is not for reasons that I can quite understand, and perhaps not even for reasons that I deserve... You're right. Moments like this - I won't have them at some point, because my time will be up.

So when we talk, when I learn about you, or you caution me... I do like it.

Because I am in the presence of someone considerate, and that is in and of itself lucky. You are a person that I enjoy.

[papasha]

[Well, this isn't like Yut-Lung, or Ash at all. If he wasn't of the idea he should expect the unexpected from so many different people here, he'd be surprised maybe.

His expression softens slightly, and he again looks out over the bridge.]

Let's not get carried away. But it's good you understand.

[recrowns]

[there's just a bit of a laugh at that]

Ah, I see. Blanca doesn't care about me after all.

[don't sigh sadly and wistfully you little punkass]

[papasha]

[He cuts a sidelong glance at Soo-won. This little shit? Nevermind what he said. This is Ash.]

Cheeky. Don't pretend as if I haven't just scolded you.

[recrowns]

I don't know what you scolded me over - I'm simply being honest with you?

[ . . . he'll let his arms rest on the railing and he'll lean out more against it]

... Wolf likes alcohol, from what I've heard.

I'm going to ask them to give me some, so we can share tomorrow. I'll get enough for Hansa, too.

[papasha]

[He rests a forearm on the railing, but doesn't lean on it extremely heavily.]

He says he likes sangria. Or wanted some. [He again glances at Soo-won.] Do you know what all of the leaders are able to do?

In terms of their abilities.

[recrowns]

Not yet. Goat has the most powers, but that's also because they're the oldest and had them already.

Do you?

[papasha]

No. But I'm wondering if we should find out. If knowing would help us during the trials.

Perhaps they're not impartial? If we could get Goat with us outside for the night... would someone be able to ask them for things at other times, and receive it?

Things that could help them.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . he tilts his head at that]

I don't know. Goat was asleep when I was awake as well.

[HE HAD TO CUT UP HIS GOAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH THAT HURT HIM OH MY GOD]

But we can see.

[papasha]

Perhaps they are able to ask before.

[Goat is fine. IT'S FINE. Goat regenerated.]

I suppose I'll ask Fox.

[recrowns]

[he nods...]

Let me know what you find out.

[a beat]

Hansa sounded as if... he would be unhappy - if my life was targeted again and I was left alone. So... I would like to see if there is a way to prevent that.

[papasha]

Well, I imagine it's very frustrating for a man who agrees to be your bodyguard being unable to protect you fairly with opportunity.

[He glances at Soo-won.]

It's understandable.

[recrowns]

[ . . . ]

Did he hit the nail on the head for you too....

[papasha]

[Pointedly, he looks at Soo-won.]

Don't you feel the same in a way, not being able to protect others here as you'd like?

[recrowns]

[ . . . .

he thinks of the words that cater left behind, of the messaging to protect yona. he looks away briefly at that before.... looking back.]

I understand.

We will push the limits of our ability and discover what we are truly capable of. I'll do my best to continue to search for answers, and to make your job and Hansa's easier.

[papasha]

[GOD. SHAKING HIS HEAD THIS BRAT. He is too tired to tell Soo-won he is doing it again.]

I believe we are meant to make it easier for you, not the other way around.

[recrowns]

No, that doesn't sound right at all. I wouldn't be a king worth anything if I let you all do the hard work.

[papasha]

I think you would be surprised by some of the kings where I'm from then.

[recrowns]

Then I hope they're replaced in short order.

[IMMEDIATELY]

[papasha]

[SOO-WON

This

actually gets him to laugh very quietly.]

To be replaced by more kings who are the same? They aren't unlike Kano, in what he told me.

Why do something yourself when you can get others to do it for you?

[recrowns]

.... then I hope someone rises so that they are able to lead your lands to prosperity.

[even if they aren't born a king. soo-won doesn't think royal blood has anything to do with a person's character

but he pauses at that]

.... because there are things that I need to ascertain with my own hands and eyes.

Though I do see your point - that using the power of people as a whole is more effective than to take on everything myself.

[it's just. in his nature to do what he can, and to do it as personally as possible. he doesn't like sending people to do things when he's just as able]